Here is a summary of the provided log using the Who, What, When, Where framework.
📝 Summary: SL Gor Gathering
| Category | Details |
| When | Starting at 17:45 (5:45 PM) and continuing past 19:02 (7:02 PM). |
| Where | Second Life virtual world, specifically the location named Glorious Ar (coordinates 99, 192, 68), teleporting from Isle of Teletus. |
| Who | A group of Second Life users (avatars) including Steve Billingham, Anjaleka Billingham, Abraham Jacobson, Debbie, gemmigirl, Fidelio Matador, Dark of Ar, Skylar Senturius, azalea, Gorm Runo, and others who entered chat range or logged in. |
| What | The log captures: |
| * Arrivals & Greetings: Several users teleporting or entering chat range, exchanging greetings, often formal ones like "Tal Master" or "Tal Mistress." | |
| * Roleplay/Action: A command for Anjaleka Billingham to dance, which she does, followed by playful spanking actions directed at gemmigirl and Anjaleka Billingham by their respective "Masters" (Gorm Runo and Steve Billingham). | |
| * Discussion on SL/Gor: A significant portion of the chat revolves around whether Second Life (SL) or SL Gor should be considered a "game" or a "lifestyle/real extension," with various members expressing strong opinions that it is a real platform for relationships and lifestyle expression, not a mere game. | |
| * Music Changes: The background music shifted several times, notably featuring Sepultura - Orgasmatron and later the Red Army Choir. |
The central point of the discussion among the participants in the Glorious Ar chat was the nature of Second Life (SL) and the SL Gor (Gorean) roleplay community: is it a "game" or an "extension of real life/lifestyle"?
🎮 The "Game vs. Reality" Debate
The consensus among the established participants was that SL Gor is not a game, but a platform for authentic social and lifestyle interaction.
Arguments for a Real Lifestyle
Steve Billingham argued that while the medium involves suspending reality, the "mind bond is absolutely real when done well." He stated that the greatest reward comes from treating it as real, NOT a game, and that for authentic Goreans, there is "no game." He suggested they all operate under the assumption that SL Gor is not a game because there is a real person behind the avatar who deserves care.
Anjaleka Billingham stated she has "never thought of SL as a game" but as an "extension of my life." She humorously noted that unlike games, she has "yet to die in SL."
Debbie cited the creators, Linden Lab, confirming that Second Life was not created as a game because it has "no set objectives or manufactured conflict." Instead, it is a social and creative platform used by businesses, teachers, and churches.
gemmigirl expressed that her "slavery has always been real to me," allowing her to be who she is without shame, in contrast to her real life (RL).
azalea concluded that the designation "boils down to the... perception" of the person behind the avatar, noting that "lifestylers live it everyday" and use the platform to discuss the Gorean books and lifestyle.
A sentiment passed on from Homer Wilson summarized the divide: it's a "game for some, a lifestyle for others."
Arguments for the "Game" Perception
Abraham Jacobson observed that despite the community's beliefs, people still "call this a game everyday."
Steve Billingham noted that the perception depends on the player's maturity, stating that "immature boys and girls" may treat it as a game by trying to exert power or act outrageously, where they have none in RL.
Debbie called out "trolls," who definitely think of the virtual world as a game.
⚔️ Gorean Context and Platform Limitations
The discussion also touched on how the virtual platform affects the authenticity of the Gorean experience, citing historical and current challenges:
Dark of Ar drew a parallel to traditional MMORPGs (like World of Warcraft), which have pre-structured worlds, contrasting them with SL, which allows relationships to be "explicitly Gorean" and serves as a valuable interaction environment.
Gorm Runo shared a story from older text-based Gor roleplay where a physical conflict (a "kill" action) was determined not by strength, but by a user's slow internet connection speed ("laggy web tv"). He compared this unfavorably to the Gorean books' emphasis on skill over technological advantage.
Skylar Senturius lamented the issues of plagiarism, threats, and micro-management in the community. She argued that when "control of everyone and everything is taken over," it defeats the purpose of roleplay and makes the experience feel like "just a game."
Steve Billingham provided a final word on conduct, asserting that people can be "difficult in Gor" (as authentic roleplay sometimes requires it), but should never act with "evil intent" or be an "ass," urging participants to "take good care of anyone in range."
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